Antifungal Activity of Plantago lanceolata and Sida ovata Leaf Extracts against Dermatomycotic Fungi

Plantago lanceolata and Sida ovata have been used as medicinal plants for centuries to cure numerous diseases. This study aimed to evaluate antifungal activity of P. lanceolata and S. ovata leaf extracts against dermatomycotic fungi. Crude extracts from leaves of both plants were prepared using methanol and ethyl acetate. Phytochemical screening of both plants leaves was performed. Antifungal activity of crude extracts was evaluated against three dermatomycotic fungi (Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur, and Malassezia globosa). In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by microbroth dilution method. Maximum inhibition zone of 32.00 ± 11.64 mm was exhibited when combined ethyl acetate extract of both plants was applied against M. globosa. Best effect of MIC was demonstrated by ethyl acetate extract against most tested dermatomycotic fungi. Average MIC of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts ranged as follows: (0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.65 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.52 ± 0.22 mg/mL) and (0.65 ± 0.22 to 1.56 ± 0.00 mg/mL and 0.19 ± 0.00 to 0.52 ± 0.00 mg/mL), respectively. Their synergistic effect was better than the effect of individual plant leaf extract. Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values varied across the fungal pathogens when extracts from both plants and their combinations were used. The findings from the current study support the traditional use of P. lanceolata and S. ovata against dermatomycotic fungal infections, which could potentially be exploited for the treatment of superficial infection in humans.

Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Cordia vignei Hutch and Dalziel Inhibits Carrageenan-Induced Foot Oedema in Chicks, Prostaglandin E2-Induced Paw Oedema in Mice, and Bradykinin-Induced Paw Oedema in Mice

Background

Cordia vignei Hutch and Dalziel (Fam. Boraginaceae) is a woody plant found in west tropical Africa. The aim of this research is to find out if the leaf extract of this plant prevents oedema in animal models.

Methods

(a) Inflammation was induced in the animals by injecting 100 µl of 2% lambda carrageenan into the subplantar tissue of the right footpads of 7-day-old chicks 1 h before or after oral administration of 30-300 mgkg-1 CVE. Oedema was measured for 5 h using the water displacement method. (b) Oedema was induced in ICR mice by subplantar injection of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (50 µl of 1 nM) 30 minutes before or after CVE administration. Oedema was measured for 3 h. (c) Oedema was induced in ICR mice by subplantar injection of bradykinin (BK) (10 nmol/paw) 30 min before or after administration of extract.

Results

We found that CVE significantly (P < 0.05) prevented inflammation that was induced by injecting carrageenan into the footpads of the chicks. Also, we observed that CVE prevented inflammation produced by injecting PGE2 into the subplantar tissue of mice. Finally, we also report that CVE prevented inflammation produced by injecting BK into the subplantar tissues of mice. All these effects were observed in both preventive and curative protocols.

Conclusion

We conclude that Cordia vignei leaf extract has potential anti-inflammatory activity.

Antioxidant Activity of Usnic Acid Compound from Methanol Extract of Lichen Usnea sp

Lichen Usnea sp. is one of the sources of natural bioactive compounds which are currently being developed as medicinal ingredients. The purpose of this study was the isolation and identification of secondary metabolites from methanol extract, toxicity test and antioxidant activity of Usnea sp. Lichen was isolated by maceration using methanol solvent, then separated by liquid-liquid partition and separation using vacuum chromatography. Based on the results of the study, NMR-1D spectral data and FTIR spectrum is the presence of functional groups showed the presence of F15 compound is usnic acid consisting of 18 carbons with 3 carbons from the C=O carbonyl group. The results of the toxicity test showed that all of them were active against Artemia salina L. shrimp larvae with LC₅₀ values of 0.820 µg/mL (Usnea sp.), 1.030 µg/mL (n-hexane), 1.056 µg/mL (ethyl acetate), and 1.236 µg/mL (methanol extract). The results of the antioxidant activity test showed that the inhibitory activity of usnic acid isolate was very active with an IC₅₀ value of 11.696 µg/mL. Meanwhile, methanol extracts and ethyl acetate showed antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 18.098 and 26.917 µg/mL, respectively.

Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera extracts against gram-negative bacteria: an in vitro and molecular docking studies

Moringa oleifera seed and leaf are used traditionally for the treatment of various health problems (among others, hypertension, scrapes, skin infection, diabetes, genitourinary illnesses), and to boost the immune system, as well as to act as a contraceptive. In this study, the antibacterial activity of seed and leaf M. oleifera extracts on three-gram negative bacteria was investigated, and phytochemical analysis for the association of antibacterial activity with the active constituents in the plant was determined. Moreover, understanding of the mechanism of action was achieved by applying the Auto Dock Vina technique. The phytochemical screening of M. oleifera seed and leaf extracts exhibited the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardioactive glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids and terpenoids. In silico results revealed that compounds (4-O-caffeoyl quinic acid, 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxyl)-benzylisothiocyanate); (Isoquercitrin, 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate); and (Astragalin, 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate) from leaf and seed have the highest binding affinity and very good interactions with Transcriptional Activator Protein (LasR), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), and Malonyl-CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase (FabD), respectively.

Evaluation of In Vivo Wound-Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Solvent Fractions of Fruits of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae)

INTRODUCTION

The solvent fractions of the fruits of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) have not yet been explored scientifically for in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities. The objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate in vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the solvent fractions of the fruit of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) in rats.

METHOD

The crude extract of Argemone mexicana was fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and distilled water. Wound healing activity was evaluated using excision and incision wound models while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced rat paw and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models. The fractions were evaluated at 5 and 10% ointments using moist-exposed burn ointment as the standard drug, and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg test doses using aspirin, and dexamethasone as standard drugs for wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. All treatment administrations were made orally for anti-inflammatory activity and applied topically for wound healing activity.

RESULT

The 10% w/w ethyl acetate fraction ointment showed a significant percentage of wound contraction, reduced period of epithelialization, increased amount of fibrosis, neovascularization, and collagen tissue formation (p < 0.01). The ethyl acetate fraction also showed a significant increase in tensile strength (55%; p < 0.01) and (81.10%; p < 0.01) at the tested doses of 5 and 10% w/w ointments, which was comparable to moist-exposed burn ointment. The ethyl acetate fraction also revealed a significant percent edema inhibition (61.41%; p < 0.01), suppression of the exudate (38.09% p < 0.01), and granuloma mass formations (53.47% p < 0.01) at the tested dose of 400 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that the Ethyl acetate fraction of Argemone mexicana fruit has significant wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities which support the traditional claims of the experimental plant.

Antiplasmodial Activity of 80% Methanolic Extract and Solvent Fractions of Stem Bark of Acacia tortilis in Swiss Albino Mice

Background

Malarial infection has significant negative impact on the health of the world population. It is treated by modern and traditional medicines. Among traditional medicinal plants, Acacia tortilis is used by different communities as antimalarial agent. Therefore, the objective of this study is to validate antimalarial activity of the stem bark of Acacia tortilis in mice.

Methods

To evaluate antimalarial activity of the plant, 4-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic antimalarial test models were used. Parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV), survival time, rectal temperature, and body weight were used to evaluate the effect of the plant extracts. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test.

Results

The crude extract and dichloromethane fraction significantly suppressed the level of parasitemia (p < 0.001) and increased mean survival time (p < 0.01) at all tested doses. Similarly, significant effects were observed in mean survival time, % change of PCV, weight, and temperature in both curative and prophylactic antimalarial test models.

Conclusions

The methanolic extract and solvent fractions of the stem bark of Acacia tortilis has shown antimalarial activity, and the finding supports the traditional use and the in vitro studies. Thus, this study can be used as an initiation for researchers to find the most active phytochemical entity and to conduct additional safety and efficacy tests.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Prinsepia utilis Royle Leaf and Seed Extracts

Our study was designed to screen the antibacterial potency of Princepia utilis leaf and seed extract and to measure their antioxidant effects, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and total carbohydrate content. Collected samples were extracted by cold maceration. Hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water were used as extraction solvents. In the disc diffusion method, P. utilis ethyl acetate leaf extract was most prominent against Staphylococcus epidermis with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 13.83 mm. Similarly, methanolic leaf extract was most prominent against Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI-12.33 mm). Furthermore, the methanolic seed extract was most sensitive against Klebsiella pneumoniaee (ZOI-11.66 mm) Escherichia coli (ZOI-9.0 mm). The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.5 mg/mL and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively, were shown by ethyl acetate leaf extract against S. epidermis. Similarly, the highest values of MIC and MBC, i.e., 20.8 mg/mL and 33.3 mg/mL, respectively, were shown by hexane leaf extract against S. epidermidis. On the other hand, evaluation of antioxidant capacity revealed that ethyl acetate leaf extract showed the maximum antioxidant effect (IC₅₀: 66.69 μg/mL). The total flavonoid contents of different extracts were measured in the range of 37 ± 0.74 μg QE/mg dry extract weight (methanolic seed extract) to 321.84 ± 4.82 μg QE/mg dry extract weight (hexane seed extract). Likewise, the total polyphenol content ranged from the hexane leaf extract (17.33 ± 0.642 μg GAE/mg dry extract weight) to ethyl acetate leaf extract (62.56 ± 1.284 μg GAE/mg dry extract weight). We found a variation in total carbohydrate content in the range of 23.55 ± 1.125 μg glucose/mg dry extract weight (hexane leaf extract) to 96.63 ± 2.253 μg glucose/mg dry extract weight (aqueous leaf extract). Overall, this study revealed that leaf and seed extract of P. utilis exhibited noteworthy antibacterial effects against diverse pathogenic microorganisms.

Phytochemical Screening, and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Dermocosmetic Activities of Four Moroccan Plants: Halimium antiatlanticum, Adenocarpus artemisiifolius, Pistacia lentiscus and Leonotis nepetifolia

In this study, four Moroccan plants, Halimium antiatlanticum, Adenocarpus artemisiifolius, Pistacia lentiscus and Leonotis nepetifolia, were evaluated for their phytoconstituents and biological activities. Methanolic extracts of these plants were obtained by Soxhlet apparatus, phytochemical screening was performed, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. Then, the antioxidant and dermocosmetic activities of the methanolic extracts were evaluated. The obtained results revealed that the leaves and/or aerial parts contained tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, carotenoids, terpenoids and saponins. The higher total phenolic content values were recorded on Pistacia lentiscus and Halimium antiatlanticum with 396.64 ± 30.79 and 304.96 ± 55.61 mgGAE/gDW, respectively. The antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, and showed that Pistacia lentiscus and Halimium antiatlanticum were the most active extracts, with, respectively, IC50 values of 3.705 ± 0.445 and 5.037 ± 0.122 µg/mL for DPPH. The same results were observed for the FRAP and ABTS assays. Those extracts also showed a strong collagenase inhibitory activity at 200 µg/mL, with 78.51 ± 2.27% for Pistacia lentiscus and 73.10 ± 8.52% for Halimium antiatlanticum. Adenocarpus artemisiifolius showed the highest elastase inhibition rate, with 76.30 ± 5.29%. This study disclosed the dermocosmetic potential of Halimium antiatlanticum and Adenocarpus artemisiifolius, two Moroccan endemic plants that can be traditionally used by local populations or exploited by the cosmetic industry.

In Vivo Anti-Malarial Activity of the Aqueous Root Extract of Euclea divinorum Hiern (Ebenaceae) against Plasmodium berghei ANKA

Background

Drug resistance is a universal challenge to malaria control measures. As a result, the development and discovery of new chemotherapeutic agents from medicinal plants having anti-malarial traditional claims are very important. This work, therefore, attempted to evaluate the anti-malarial activity of the aqueous root extract of E. divinorum using a rodent model of malaria.

Methods

The roots of E. divinorum were extracted by hot decoction using distilled water. Anti-malarial activity of various doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg) of the root aqueous extract was evaluated using the 4-day suppressive test as well as curative and repository tests. Parasitemia, rectal temperature, body weight, PCV, and MST were also determined.

Results

The finding showed that there were a dose-related significant parasitemia chemo-suppression and increment in survival time as compared to the negative control (p < 0.001) in all tests. The chemo-suppression effect was higher at 400 mg/kg extract-treated groups in the 4-day suppressive test followed by the curative test. The lowest chemo-prophylaxis effect was observed in 100 mg/kg extract-treated groups in the repository test. Regarding the other parameters, the extract prevented weight loss, temperature drop, and hemolysis in all models but not in a consistent manner.

Conclusion

The current study showed that the aqueous root extract of E. divinorum possessed a varying degree of anti-malarial activity in all three tests, with greater parasitemia suppression observed in the 4-day suppressive test. The extract produced higher parasitemia chemo-suppression and longer survival time in early infections followed by established and then residual infection.

Phycochemical and Biological Activities From Different Extracts of Padina antillarum (Kützing) Piccone

Seaweeds are non-vascular, photosynthetic that inhabit the coastal regions commonly within rocky intertidal or submerged reef-like habitats and have been one of the richest and most promising sources of bioactive primary and secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. They selectively absorb elements like Na, K, Ca, Mg, I, and Br from the seawater and accumulate them in their thalli. Padina antillarum (Kützing) Piccone is a member of Phaeophycota and has remarkable phycochemistry as well as bioactivity. The phycochemical tests of the different extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and phenols. The relative percentage of Oxirane, tetradecyl (C₁₆H₃₂O), and Cyclononasiloxane (C₁₈H₅₄O₉Si₉) are higher while Tetrasiloxane (C₁₆H₅₀O₇Si₈) is lowest in Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry analysis. FRAP, %inhibition, the total antioxidant value of P. antillarum was higher in methanolic extract. Hexane, chloroform extracts showed no zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The methanolic extract of P. antillarum exhibits a maximum zone of inhibition against S. epidermidis (18.66 ± 0.09). Antifungal activity of the P. antillarum in hexane extract exhibited no zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum while the chloroform extract yields maximum zone (37 ± 0.012, 21.66 ± 0.03). Diabetes mellitus is one of the most familiar chronic diseases associated with carbohydrate metabolism. It is also an indication of co-morbidities such as obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia which are metabolic complications of both clinical and experimental diabetes. The treatment of P. antillarum methanol extract in mice reduced the body weight loss, low level of triglycerides, and elevated HDL cholesterol level as compared to diabetic mice.

In Vivo Antiplasmodial Potential of the Leaf, Mesocarp, and Epicarp of the Raphia hookeri Plant in Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65

Results

The presence of alkaloids, fats and oils, phenolic, and flavonoids was detected via the qualitative test which was confirmed from the result obtained from the GC-MS chromatogram of ethanolic leaves extract. The GC-MS chromatogram of the constituents analogous to the twenty peaks was analyzed as follows: dodecanoic acid (1.94%), 2-undecanone (3.42%), hexadecanoic acid (44.84%), oleic acid (7.45%), octadecanoic acid (8.41%), narcissidine (2.38%), 1-dotriacontanol (2.38%), α-sitosterol (2.02%), and lupeol (1.42%). The total phenolics and flavonoids of 118 and 23.3702 mg/g were analyzed in the leaves extract. The leave extract exhibited inhibitory activity of 73.49% against free radicals which could lead to inflammation. The extracts and chloroquine-treated groups showed significant decrease in percentage parasitaemia with pronounced activity observed in chloroquine groups.

Conclusion

The curative and scavenging potencies of studied plant could be attributed to the metabolites analyzed and could guide the formulation of new pharmacophores against malaria infections and inflammations.

Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

Antimicrobial resistance to commercially available medications has become a global issue, yet there is still the possibility of developing new drugs from medicinal plants. As a result, the aims of the present study were to screen secondary metabolites and to evaluate in vitro antifungal activities of Brucea antidysenterica, Aloe vera, and Justicia schimperiana. After the plants were identified, their leaves were collected, washed, dried under the shade, pulverized, and extracted with methanol (99.8%) using the maceration technique. The presence of secondary metabolites in plant extracts was screened using various laboratory protocols. The antifungal activities of the plant extract against reference fungal strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger at concentrations of 200, 100, and 50 mg/mL were assessed using the agar-well diffusion method. Ketoconazole (15 μg) was used as a positive control, while 5% dimethyl sulfoxide and/or 5% Tween 80 were used as negative controls. All tests were conducted in triplicate. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols were secondary metabolites found in all plant extracts. The extract of leaves of B. antidysenterica and J. schimperiana formed a mean zone of inhibition of 15.5 ± 0.5 mm and 15.3 ± 0.58 mm, respectively, against Candida albicans at a concentration of 200 mg/mL, whereas extracts of A. vera leaves formed a 12.3 ± 0.58 mm inhibition zone only against Aspergillus niger at 200 mg/mL. In conclusion, the current study found that B. antidysenterica, A. vera, and J. schimperiana had antifungal activity. In addition, all these plants had a variety of secondary metabolites that possibly have antifungal activities. Studies on in vivo investigations and isolation of specific antifungal compounds from these medicinal plants are suggested.

Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Methanolic Extract of Leaves of Spondias mombin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective:Spondias mombin is a plant that reported to have anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiasthmatic, and wound healing activities. Diabetes dyslipidemic effect of Spondias mombin leaves is not clear. Hence, current study planned to evaluate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of methanolic extract of leaves of Spondias mombin (MESM) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Phytochemicals were determined by standard method and antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP assay. Diabetes was induced by injecting a single dose of STZ (55 mg/kg) into female sprague dawley rats. After 3 days of induction of diabetes, the diabetic animals were treated for 28 days with MESM (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (20 mg/kg) orally. The body weight of rats and blood glucose levels were monitored at regular intervals during the experiment. At the end of study, blood sample was collected from all the animals and subjected to biochemical, lipid profile, and they were sacrificed and their organs such as pancreas, liver and kidney were used for histopathological analysis.

Results: Quantitative analysis of MESM showed the presence of anthraquinone, tannins, saponins, steroid, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and reducing sugars. Reduction in body weight and elevated blood glucose were observed in diabetic rats. Treatment with MESM in a concentration of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg significantly reversed the elevated levels of blood glucose, reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total serum cholesterol (TC), serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and increased plasma insulin, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Conclusion: MESM exhibited a significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities against STZ-induced diabetes in rats.

Green Analytical Approach for the Determination of Zinc in Pharmaceutical Product Using Natural Reagent

A selective, sensitive, and environmentally safe spectrophotometry method was developed and validated for the determination of zinc in pharmaceutical substances using natural reagents obtained from the leaves of plant Acacia catechu. Different factors were optimized such as volume of reagent, selection of pH, and stability of the color complex. The drug showed a stable yellowish orange color complex at 550 nm. The greenness of the methods was estimated using an eco-scale tool where the presented method was found to be excellent green with an ecoscore of 84 based on spectrophotometric determination. Also, the greenness of the method was assessed by the Green Analytical Procedure Index and found to be eco-friendly. The method was validated in conformance with ICH guidelines, with acceptable values for linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, and LOQ. The linearity range for zinc sulphate was 5–25 μg mL−1 with an R2 value of 0.996. The % RSD for intraday precision and interday precision was less than 2%. The suggested method can be employed for the economic analysis of zinc in its pure form and various formulations. The presented spectrophotometric method is the first analytical method for the analysis of zinc present in zinc sulphate and showed greater ecoscale as compared to the official method.

Biological activities and phenolic compounds of olive oil mill wastewater from Abani, endemic Algerian variety

The current study aimed to determination of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic, and anticoagulant activities of phenolic compounds extracted from olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) issue from the cold extraction of olive oil from Khenchela eastern in Algeria. The LC–MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry) results were revealed the presence of 20 phenolic compounds in the extract of OMW and mostly consisted of Kaempferol, 4,5-di-O-caffeoyquinic acid, quinic acid, and caffeic acid. The extracts possessed effective reducing power (FRAP) and high radical scavenging activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS + (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radicals, and it inhibited cytochrome c reduction in a dose-dependent manner. They exert a protective effect on red blood cells, and they were found to exhibit the highest inhibitory effect anti-inflammatory activity using inhibition of protein denaturation (IPD) and membrane stabilizing potential (MSP) tests (80.46 ± 3.81 µg/mL and 87.43 ± 0.66 µg/mL) more than the standard used. The extract also showed the greatest anticoagulant activity in both the endogenous and exogenous routes (44.77 ± 0.25 s and 15.84 ± 0.12 s, respectively). Based on these findings, it is reasonable to infer that OMW is a good source of natural phenolic compounds with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties.

Treatment efficacy of Thunbergia laurifolia, Curcuma longa, Garcinia mangostana, and Andrographis paniculata extracts in Staphylococcus aureus-induced rabbit dermatitis model

Background and Aim:

Dermatitis is a soft-tissue infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The recurrence of inflammatory skin is linked to clinical manifestations. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are essential for tissue damage, are released by bacteria through skin tissues. Oxidative stress causes inflammatory cells to necrotize and reduces their antioxidant profile, resulting in toxic damage to surrounding tissues. Although studies on the antibacterial effects of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., Curcuma longa L., Garcinia mangostana L., and Andrographis paniculata (Burm.). Bacterial infection of S. aureus have been conducted, most of these studies have been in vitro and were not related to the rabbit model. In addition, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant studies need to be evaluated. Thus, this study aims to compare the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of four local herbs with a standard antibiotic in S. aureus-induced rabbit dermatitis model.

Materials and Methods:

The skin of New Zealand white rabbits were artificially wounded using a sterile blade and then infected with S. aureus. The rabbits were divided into seven groups, each with three rabbits (Total 21 rabbits): The first group was the no infection group (no infection and no treatment with scarification), the second group was the no treatment group (S. aureus infection of the wound but no treatment), and the other five treated groups were T. laurifolia, C. longa, G. mangostana, A. paniculata, and bacitracin cream, all of which involved wound infection and treatments. The treatment lasted for 7 days. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties after treatment were measured.

Results:

The efficacy of T. laurifolia, C. longa, G. mangostana, and A. paniculata was similar to that of an antioxidant and free radical scavenging property. The bacterial infection process gradually reduced the activities of antioxidant systems (i.e., enzymatic levels and gene expressions) and total glutathione. However, the activities of the antioxidant system were steadily increased when treated with herbal extracts. During bacterial invasion of the skin, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive molecules, the level of lipid peroxidation, and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine genes were increased. All these were decreased when herbal extracts were used to treat the lesion.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that T. laurifolia, C. longa, G. mangostana, and A. paniculate extract have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and are effective antibacterial agents. G. mangostana is the most effective herbal extract for antidermatitis and has the potential to be used as an alternative topical treatment.

Phytochemical analysis of ionic liquid-Graviola (Annona muricata) fruit extract and its acute toxicity on zebrafish early-life stages

Annona muricata, commonly known as soursop and Graviola, is a member of the Annonaceae family. Some of its phytochemicals were reported to have a neurotoxicity effect causing neurodegenerative diseases. However, different parts of this tree have been used for ages in traditional medicine due to their biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer effects. This study aimed to qualitatively screen the crude ionic liquid-Graviola fruit extract (IL-GFE) phytochemical composition, assess its acute toxicity and determine the lethal concentrations using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. IL-GFE contains acetogenins, alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, tannins and flavonoids. Acute toxicity effects of IL-GFE on zebrafish embryos were observed from 24 to 120 hours of post fertilisation (hpf). The survival rate, LC50, sublethal endpoints and effect of IL-GFE on the heart rate of zebrafish larvae were assessed. Results showed that the lethal concentration (LC50) of the crude IL-GFE was 173.45 μg/mL. Interestingly, no significant changes on the morphology of the treated zebrafish were observed at a concentration of 125 μg/mL. However, the heart rate of zebrafish larvae at 96 hpf was significantly decreased by 33.76% after treated with crude IL-GFE at 125 µg/mL (119.00 ± 4.72 beats/min) as compared to the untreated group (179.67 ± 4.66 beats/min). This preliminary finding showed that crude ionic liquid-Graviola fruit extract and its phytoconstituents might have the potential to be developed as a food supplement or herbal product. However, further tests need to be conducted to evaluate its medicinal properties and adverse effects on organisms of higher orders.

Antimalarial Activity of Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. (Melianthaceae) against Plasmodium berghei Infection in Swiss Albino Mice

Background

Treatment of malaria has been compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Consequently, novel agents are urgently needed from different sources including from medicinal plants. Thus, the current study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activity of crude extract and solvent fractions of the leaves of Bersama abyssinica (B. abyssinica) against Plasmodium berghei infection in Swiss Albino mice.

Method

A 4-day suppressive test was employed to evaluate the antimalarial effect of crude extract and solvent fractions against early infection. The curative and prophylactic effects of crude extract and fraction with the highest chemosuppression were further tested by Rane's test and residual infection procedure. Parasitemia, survival time, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, and rectal temperature of mice were used as evaluation parameters. Windows SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used to compare data between groups.

Results

The crude extract and aqueous fraction significantly (P < 0.05 to 0.001) suppressed parasitemia followed by protection of PCV reduction resulting in prolonging the survival time but failed to protect body weight and rectal temperature reduction in all tested models. The ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions also showed significant chemosuppression and PCV protection in the 4-day suppressive test. The crude extract exhibited a chemosuppression of 49.51%, 57.94%, and 44.11% while the aqueous fraction showed suppression of 47.69%, 51.62%, and 37.07% in 4-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic tests, respectively, at 400 mg/kg.

Conclusion

The crude extract and fractions showed fairly moderate antimalarial activity, and the finding supports the traditional claims and previous in vitro studies. Thus, this may call for further studies to isolate chemical entities for additional safety and efficacy tests.

Antioxidant Properties of Pyrus communis and Pyrus pyrifolia Peel Extracts

With the rise of global health awareness by embracing a healthy lifestyle and natural product consumption, the search for natural antioxidant sources has invited more research performed especially in fruits as a whole product or in its components, especially the ones that are usually discarded/not the mainly consumed component. Pyrus communis and Pyrus pyrifolia are two of the most popular species of pear fruits consumed in the world, and while there exist several studies about the antioxidant potential of its flesh, specific studies about the antioxidant properties of their peels are still lacking. To achieve an understanding of antioxidant properties of peel extract of P. communis and P. pyrifolia, several tests have been performed in controlled laboratory conditions to gauge phenolic and flavonoid contents through three different extraction measurements. This research has shown that peel extracts of both P. communis and P. pyrifolia contain natural antioxidants that are beneficial for health, with P. communis extracted with methanol having a higher concentration of antioxidant contents compared to P. pyrifolia.

In Vitro Acaricidal Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used against Ticks in Eastern Ethiopia

A study was carried out to evaluate the acaricidal activities of crude methanolic extract of leaves of six medicinal plants, namely, Vernonia amygdalina, Calpurnia aurea, Schinus molle, Ricinus communis, Croton macrostachyus, and Nicotiana tabacum, against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Rhipicephalus pulchellus using an in vitro adult immersion test. Five graded concentrations of the crude extracts, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml, were tested at different time intervals, and temporal changes in tick viability were recorded for 24 hours. Diazinon (0.1%) and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Standard procedures were applied to screen the phytochemical constituents of the tested plant parts. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of a condensed amount of tannins in all extracts. Starting from 30 min post exposure, the 100 mg/ml concentration of C. aurea and R. communis extracts has caused significantly higher mortality (P < 0.05) compared to the diazinon. A significant increase in tick mortality started 2 hr post exposure with diazinon and 50 and 100 mg/ml concentrations of S. molle. Vernonia amygdalina extract and diazinon showed a significant increase in tick mortality 3 hr post exposure with 100 mg/ml concentration. Similarly, a significant increase in tick mortality started 2 hr post exposure with diazinon and 100 mg/ml concentrations of C. macrostachyus and N. tabacum. At 24 hr post exposure, diazinon and 50 and 100 mg/ml concentrations of all the extracts have caused significantly higher tick mortality than the rest of the concentrations (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations of all the extracts had showed a comparable and strong acaricidal effect on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Rhipicephalus pulchellus having no significant difference with that of the positive control (P > 0.05) at 24 hr post exposure period. Tick killing activity of all evaluated plant extracts increases with increasing exposure time and concentration as well. Thus, all the tested plants could be used against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Rhipicephalus pulchellus as a potential alternative to substitute commercially available drugs. We recommend further study on fractionating each component separately and validating the materials.

Histochemical assays of secretory trichomes and the structure and content of mineral nutrients in Rubus idaeus L. leaves

Leaves of Rubus idaeus are a raw material, ingredients of herbal blend, and a source of antioxidants. There are no data concerning histochemistry of trichomes, and little is known about the leaf structure of this species. The aim of this study was to determine the histochemistry of active compounds and the structure of glandular trichomes, micromorphology, anatomy, and ultrastructure of leaves as well as content of elements. To determine the histochemistry of glandular trichomes, different chemical compounds were used. The leaf structure was analysed using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopes. The content of elements was determined with atomic absorption spectrometry, and the microanalysis of the epidermis ultrastructure was carried out with a transmission electron microscope equipped with a digital X-ray analyser. In glandular trichomes, polyphenols, terpenes, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates were identified. The main elements in the ultrastructure of the epidermis were Na, Mo, Se, Ca, and Mg. In dry matter of leaves, K, Mg, Ca, P, and Fe were dominant. Infusions from leaves are safe for health in terms of the Cd and Pb concentrations. Leaves can be a valuable raw material. Non-glandular trichomes prevent clumping of mixed raw materials in herbal mixtures.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by traditionally used medicinal plants in Sudan

Sudan has a tremendous wealth flora due to its unique geographical location and diverse climate. Vast records of plants and plants’ secondary metabolites are reported to possess redox capacity and can be exploited for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles is preferred due to their availability and their various metabolites. The present review explores the potentiality and diversity of biological activities of silver nanoparticles that originated from the combination of silver and phyto-constituents of mostly traditionally used Sudanese medicinal and aromatic plants. The green synthesis methods of silver nanoparticles mediated by more than 45 traditionally used medicinal plants are critically reviewed. In addition, parameters that affect the synthesis of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles, their characterization techniques and various biological activities are summarized and discussed. Thus, the study of green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its applications can be extended to involve vast plant diversity of Sudan.

Assessments of Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous-Ethanolic Extracts of Sida rhombifolia's Aerial Part

Infectious diseases are the critical problems of the world as a result of the emergence of different antimicrobial resistant microorganisms due to several reasons like misuses and repeating uses of antibiotics. Because of this, searching of new treatment method is important from natural substances to against those infectious diseases in both human and animals' aspects. Among those plants, Sida rhombifolia has various roles against those infectious diseases through its different phytochemical components. The objectives of this study were assessing the antibacterial activity of the aqueous-methanol extract of the plant's aerial part and knowing the phytochemical constituents of the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the extract of S. rhombifolia's aerial part possesses flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, and quinines. In addition to this, the antibacterial activity of the plant extract was evaluated on five pathogenic bacteria species using agar well diffusion method at different concentrations of plant extracts. Minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration determinations were done by tetrazolium chloride microtiter dilution assay. The inhibition zone of mean diameters ranging from 0.00 to 7.67mm against all test bacteria was significantly (p<0.05) much less than that of the positive control Chloroamphinicole (30μg/disc) with the range of 14.33mm-15mm of inhibition zone of diameters. The inhibition zones of the tested bacteria at the concentration of 62.5mg/ml were much less than the higher concentration (500mg/ml) and significantly different (p<0.05), whereas the MIC value ranges from 4.62 to 97.22mg/ml and the MBC value ranges from 4.62 to 125.00mg/ml. Even if the plant extract showed antibacterial activity, it was lower than that of other solvent extraction methods; so other solvent extraction methods and fractionates must be conducted to investigate the antibacterial activities of the plant extract on different bacterial strains and species that cause different diseases.

In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Basella alba Leaf and Seed Extracts against Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) Cell Line

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The current treatment options of cancer are radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery, where all of them have unpleasant side effects. Due to their adverse side effects, it is challenging to develop new drug for cancer treatment. Hence, the scientists are trying to seek for noble compounds from natural sources to treat cancer. Therefore, in the present investigation, a widely consumable vegetable Basella alba was subjected to evaluate its antiproliferative effect along with molecular signaling of apoptosis in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell line. Cell growth inhibition was determined by haemocytometer whereas apoptosis of cancer cells were studied by florescence microscope using Hoechst-33342 stain and result was supported by DNA fragmentation and certain cancer related genes expression through PCR analysis. B. alba leaf and seed extract exhibit a considerable scavenging activity in comparison to a standard antioxidant BHT. Moreover, the leaf and seed extracts were able to agglutinate 2% RBC of goat blood at minimum 12.5μg/ml and 50.0μg/ml concentration, respectively. A significant cytotoxic activity was also found in both leaf and seed extract. In haemocytometic observation, the leaf and seed extracts exhibit about 62.54±2.41% and 53.96±2.34% cell growth inhibition, respectively, whereas standard anticancer drug Bleomycin showed 79.43±1.92% growth inhibition. Morphological alteration under fluorescence microscope showed nuclear condensation and fragmentation which is the sign of apoptosis. Apoptosis induction was also confirmed by DNA laddering in leaf and seed treated EAC cells. Upregulation of the tumor suppressor gene P53 and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 enumerate apoptosis induction. Therefore, current study manifested that leaf and seed extracts of B. alba have antiproliferative activity against EAC cell line and can be a potent source of anticancer agents to treat cancer.

Evaluation of the Wound Healing Activity of the Crude Extract of Leaves of Acanthus polystachyus Delile (Acanthaceae)

Background

Medicinal plants play indispensable roles to treat various ailments. Acanthus polystachyus is one of the medicinal plants used traditionally for treatment of wounds. However, there were no scientific reports documented so far on the wound healing activities of this plant. Thus, the present study provides a scientific evaluation for the wound healing potential of the crude extract of A. polystachyus leaves.

Methods

The crude extraction was carried out using 80% methanol. The crude extract was prepared in 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) ointment and evaluated for wound healing activity using excision, infected, and incision wound models in Swiss albino mice.

Results

Both 5%  and 10% (w/w) ointments significantly reduced period of epithelialization and increased wound contraction rate and tensile strength compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05). The wound healing activity of 10% (w/w) ointment treated group was greater than 5% (w/w) and nitrofurazone ointment treated groups in S. aureus infected wound model.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the crude extract of A. polystachyus leaves possesses wound healing activities. This justifies the traditional claimed use of the plant for treating uninfected and infected wounds caused by S. aureus.

In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of the Solvent Fractions of Fruit Rind and Root of Carica papaya Linn (Caricaceae) against Plasmodium berghei in Mice

BACKGROUND

Currently, antimalarial drug resistance poses a serious challenge. This stresses the need for newer antimalarial compounds. Carica papaya is used traditionally and showed in vitro antimalarial activity. This study attempted to evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of C. papaya in mice.

METHODS

In vivo antimalarial activity of solvent fractions of the plant was carried out against early P. berghei infection in mice. Parasitemia, temperature, PCV, and body weight of mice were recorded. Windows SPSS version 16 (one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test) was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The pet ether and chloroform fractions of C. papaya fruit rind and root produced a significant (p < 0.001) chemosuppressive effect. A maximum parasite suppression of 61.78% was produced by pet ether fraction of C. papaya fruit rind in the highest dose (400 mg/kg/day). Only 400 mg/kg/day dose of chloroform fraction of C. papaya root exhibited a parasite suppression effect (48.11%). But, methanol fraction of the plant parts produced less chemosuppressive effect.

CONCLUSION

Pet ether fraction of C. papaya fruit rind had the highest antimalarial activity and could be a potential source of lead compound. Further study should be done to show the chemical and metabolomic profile of active ingredients.

Antidiabetic Effect of Young and Old Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina: A Comparative Study

The young leaves of Vernonia amygdalina are often utilized as vegetable and for medicinal purpose compared to the old leaves. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the antidiabetic effects between ethanolic leaf extracts of old and young V. amygdalina on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat for four weeks. Preliminary screening of both young and old ethanolic extracts revealed the presence of the same phytochemicals except flavonoids which was only present in the old V. amygdalina. Difference in antioxidant power between the young and old leaf extracts was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Both leaf extracts produced a significant (p < 0.05) antihyperglycaemic effect. Also results from treated rats revealed increasing effect in some haematological parameters. Similarly, the higher dose (300 mg/kg) of both extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels as compared to the diabetic control rats. Results also showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in LDL-C and VLDL-C in the extract-treated rats with a corresponding increase in HDL-C, as compared to the diabetic control rats. Moreover histopathological analysis revealed ameliorative effect of pathological insults induced by the STZ in the pancreas, liver, and spleen, most significantly the regeneration of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in treated rats.